“Ronnie was just asking for financial advice,” Max said, turning a sly grin toward Claire.

Claire smiled, her skin completely smooth in the cold morning light.

“Oh, aesthetics and budgets are so exhausting,” Claire said.

“The wedding cake tasting yesterday nearly ruined my whole week.

White chocolate velvet is just such a hard vibe to nail down.”

Max looked at my faded gray pullover sweater and the frayed fabric at my wrists.

“You might want to think about what you’re wearing to the reception, Ronnie,” Max said.

“Claire has a very strict silver and white aesthetic for the guest table.”